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Refute vs Impugn - What's the difference?

refute | impugn |

In transitive terms the difference between refute and impugn

is that refute is to deny the truth or correctness of (something) while impugn is to verbally assault, especially to argue against an opinion, motive, or action; to question the truth or validity of.

refute

English

Verb

(refut)
  • To prove (something) to be false or incorrect.
  • *
  • To deny the truth or correctness of (something).
  • *
  • Usage notes

    The second meaning of (refute) (to deny the truth of) is proscribed as erroneous by some (compare Merriam Webster,1994). An alternative term with such a meaning is (repudiate), which means to reject or refuse to acknowledge, but without the implication of justification. However, this distinction does not exist in the original Latin , which can apply to both senses.

    Synonyms

    * : debunk, disprove, rebut * (deny the truth or correctness): deny, gainsay, rebut, reject, repudiate

    Antonyms

    * : demonstrate, prove * (deny the truth or correctness): accept, embrace

    impugn

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To assault, attack.
  • To verbally assault, especially to argue against an opinion, motive, or action; to question the truth or validity of.
  • Quotations

    {{timeline, 1800s=1859 1864 1872 1889, 1900s=1922}} * 1859 — *: Let the opinions impugned be the belief in a God and in a future state, or any of the commonly received doctrines of morality. * 1864 — *: There have been much impugning of motives and much heated controversy as to the proper means and best mode of advancing the Union cause. * 1872 — *: At home, at a period of immense prosperity, with a people contented and naturally loyal, we find to our surprise the most extravagant doctrines professed and the fundamental principles of our most valuable institutions impugned , and that too by persons of some authority. * 1889 — , ch. xxv *: It is a hardy question, fair sir and Boss, since it doth go far to impugn the wisdom of even our holy Mother Church herself. * 1922 — , ch. 21 *: He is not dead. When he revives he will return to his quarters with a fine tale of his bravery and there will be none to impugn his boasts.

    Synonyms

    * (to question the validity of) call into question, challenge, contest, contradict, deny, disavow, dispute, oppugn, negate

    Antonyms

    * (to question the validity of) authenticate, endorse, support

    Derived terms

    * impugnable * impugner

    Anagrams

    *